]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/12/06/volume-95-issue-12-12062018/feed/0The Setonian elects Editor-in-Chief for springhttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/12/05/the-setonian-elects-editor-in-chief-for-spring/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/12/05/the-setonian-elects-editor-in-chief-for-spring/#respondThu, 06 Dec 2018 00:18:57 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=25320The Setonian’s Editorial Board is pleased to announce that Isabel Soisson has been named its Editor-in-Chief for the Spring 2019 semester. Soisson will take over for Samantha Todd, who graduates this December. A junior, Soisson currently serves as News Editor. She has been on The Setonian’s editorial board for three years, since the very beginning […]

]]>The Setonian’s Editorial Board is pleased to announce that Isabel Soisson has been named its Editor-in-Chief for the Spring 2019 semester.

Soisson will take over for Samantha Todd, who graduates this December.

Photo courtesy of Isabel Soisson

A junior, Soisson currently serves as News Editor. She has been on The Setonian’s editorial board for three years, since the very beginning of her college career. She started her freshman year as Assistant Digital Editor and worked her way up to Assistant News Editor her sophomore year, before assuming the position of News Editor last December.

A Philadelphia native, Soisson is a journalism major with a political science minor. She has interned at various media outlets, including CNBC.com where she currently works as a breaking-news desk intern and will continue to work next semester. At CNBC, she has covered topics such as politics, retail, stocks and technology. She has also worked with CNBC reporters doing research on subjects such as political campaign analytics and stock market trends.

Soisson also interned at Philadelphia Magazine last summer, where she reported for both online and print publication in addition to managing their business Twitter.

Some of her plans for The Setonian include exploring more investigative reporting. She thinks this is the best way for the entire staff of the paper to become better writers, editors and reporters.

She values objectivity and has a talent for reporting and writing news. She has high journalistic standards for herself and The Setonian. Soisson gets the facts straight and makes sure that everyone’s voices are heard. She challenges the news staff writers and everyone on the editorial board to be better and put out the very best content we can.

Aside from her professionalism, Soisson has been an invaluable member of The Setonian and we look forward to seeing what direction she takes the newspaper in. She is a team player and works hard. She never says no to taking on a story assignment and is up for any challenge.

The newspaper is excited for Soisson to take over in December. We know she will do great things during her tenure as Editor-in-Chief. Congratulations Isabel!

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/12/05/the-setonian-elects-editor-in-chief-for-spring/feed/0The Setonian’s goal is to remain objectivehttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/28/the-setonians-goal-is-to-remain-objective/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/28/the-setonians-goal-is-to-remain-objective/#respondThu, 29 Nov 2018 01:37:16 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=25204Objectivity is the backbone of modern journalism. It is the idea that as reporters it is your duty to present the facts – and only the facts – to your readers, and have them form their own opinions about the story. The idea of objectivity was first introduced in the early 20th century by Walter […]

]]>Objectivity is the backbone of modern journalism. It is the idea that as reporters it is your duty to present the facts – and only the facts – to your readers, and have them form their own opinions about the story.

Photo via Wikipedia

The idea of objectivity was first introduced in the early 20th century by Walter Lippman, a writer, reporter and political commentator. After the age of yellow journalism, in which exaggeration and sensationalism was used to sell papers, Lippman and Charles Merz, an associate editor for the New York World, wrote an account of how “cultural blinders had distorted the New York Times coverage of the Russian Revolution,” according to the American Press Institute.

Not long after, Lippman declared that journalism was being practiced by “untrained accidental witnesses” and that partisan values were glaring through their writing. Lippman’s solution was that journalists start applying the scientific method in practicing their profession, and that they also start relying on facts to inform their readers.

In an age of extreme political partisanship and atrocities across the globe, it’s no secret that objectivity is hard to practice at times. Ultimately, that is the goal of every paper across the United States, and it is the goal of The Setonian.

When The Setonian covers topics, particularly ones of a political and social nature, we aim to do so objectively. We aim to talk to all parties involved in a particular situation and we give a balanced account of these situations. It is not The Setonian’s job to be a platform for your political agendas. We will not endorse any ideas over others, and we will not portray one side in a better light than the other, because that is not journalism, it is propaganda.

Furthermore, if a Setonian reporter reaches out to sources, and the sources choose to ignore their multiple requests for comment and not respond, it is not The Setonian’s fault if a story has less sources on one side of an issue. You cannot simultaneously complain about us being biased and refuse to talk to us. That’s not how it works.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/28/the-setonians-goal-is-to-remain-objective/feed/0Prepare for the storm, finals are cominghttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/14/prepare-for-the-storm-finals-are-coming/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/14/prepare-for-the-storm-finals-are-coming/#respondThu, 15 Nov 2018 01:24:07 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=25072The days left in the semester are dwindling. Many students are ready for Winter break and getting some much needed rest and relaxation, but there is one thing standing in their way — finals. Finals are stressful and a big source of anxiety for students near the end of the semester. Between writing papers, completing […]

]]>The days left in the semester are dwindling. Many students are ready for Winter break and getting some much needed rest and relaxation, but there is one thing standing in their way — finals.

The Setonian logo, obtained from www.google.com

Finals are stressful and a big source of anxiety for students near the end of the semester. Between writing papers, completing projects and giving presentations, many are in a time crunch.

At this point in the semester, many students are stressed. Thirty percent of college students said that stress had negatively impacted their academic performance, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety, depression and other disorders.

Mental Health America (MHA), a nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of those living with mental illness, has some tips for students when preparing for finals. They recommended creating a game plan for the rest of the semester. Prioritize what needs to get done first. Keep track of due dates because they can sneak up on you.

MHA suggested that students take breaks because it will help prevent burnout. They also advised limiting time spent on social media. Don’t waste the time you should spend studying on finals scrolling through social media.

Remember to get sleep, too. Students pull all-nighters around finals time, but that can negatively affect their health. Poor sleep impairs memory, mood and the ability to process information, according to MHA. They also stated that studies show that sleep improves test scores and academic performance.

While grades are important, they aren’t everything. Your health matters more. Grades don’t define who you are as a person; don’t put too much weight on them when you’re stressing over all the last-minute assignments and cramming for finals.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/14/prepare-for-the-storm-finals-are-coming/feed/0Have your voice heard beyond the Midtermshttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/07/have-your-voice-heard-beyond-the-midterms/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/07/have-your-voice-heard-beyond-the-midterms/#respondThu, 08 Nov 2018 00:54:04 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24932Votes were cast in the midterm election on Nov. 6 and the results are in. The Republicans have been projected to keep control of the Senate while the Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives, CBS News projected on Nov. 7. There were a lot of close races across the U.S. In N.J., […]

]]>Votes were cast in the midterm election on Nov. 6 and the results are in.

The Republicans have been projected to keep control of the Senate while the Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives, CBS News projected on Nov. 7.

Photo obtained from google.com.

There were a lot of close races across the U.S. In N.J., we had the highly-contested race for Senate between the two Bobs — Sen. Bob Menendez and Bob Hugin. Ultimately, Menendez won and was re-elected.

No matter what your political affiliations are, it was a great thing to see a high voter turnout. In the past, midterm elections have had low voter turnout.

Seeing people exercise their civic duty and vote for who they believe can make a difference is a remarkable thing to see and should be celebrated.

In N.J. alone, nearly 2.8 million people voted in the 2018 Senate race this week, reported Time on Nov. 7. This number is up from the less than 2 million New Jerseyans that cast ballots in 2014 for Senate, Time said.

Time cited New York Times estimates that said approximately 114 million votes were cast in House races this year, while only 83 million did the same in 2014. These are historic turnouts for a midterm election.

Voting is an important right and freedom that we as Americans have. Seeing millions of people show up to the polls, even when there were reports of long lines and broken voting machines, according to The Washington Post, showed just how much this year’s race means to Americans.

If the person you voted for or hoped would win the election didn’t, it’s not the end. You can still voice your concerns to your U.S. representatives and continue to do your civic duty.

Americans have free speech and can continue to exercise that right and their right to vote, if they choose to do so. If you didn’t vote in the midterms, think about voting in the next election to have your voice heard.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/11/07/have-your-voice-heard-beyond-the-midterms/feed/0We need stricter gun laws to stop gun violencehttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/31/we-need-stricter-gun-laws-to-stop-gun-violence/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/31/we-need-stricter-gun-laws-to-stop-gun-violence/#respondWed, 31 Oct 2018 23:59:53 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24785Gun violence needs to stop. This past weekend, there was another tragic mass shooting. Eleven people were killed and six others were injured when gunman Robert Bowers opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 27, according to an Oct. 29 CBS News article. This attack is the latest in a long list […]

]]>Gun violence needs to stop. This past weekend, there was another tragic mass shooting.

Eleven people were killed and six others were injured when gunman Robert Bowers opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 27, according to an Oct. 29 CBS News article. This attack is the latest in a long list of mass shootings in 2018.

Photo obtained from google.com.

Saturday’s mass shooting at the synagogue was the 294th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, according to an Oct. 27 ABC 15 Arizona article that cited the Gun Violence Archive. Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is a not for profit corporation that provides information about gun-related violence in the U.S., according to GVA’s website. GVA defines a mass shooting as four or more people being shot and/or killed in a single incident.

As of Oct. 31, there have been 299 mass shooting incidents in the U.S., GVA said. The site also said there were 346 mass shootings in 2017. These statistics are sickening. Something needs to be done to prevent further shootings.

Many innocent lives were lost to gun violence this year. In February, there was the Parkland school shooting. Each year, we see more and more gun violence.

Politicians and others offer their thoughts and prayers to the victims and those affected by these tragedies. While it’s a good thing to keep those affected in our prayers, something more needs to be done.

We owe it to those who lost their lives in these shootings to do our part to prevent more incidents. It can’t just be empty words and promises. Action needs to be taken.

America needs stricter gun laws and stricter screening processes. Full background checks should be done on those trying to obtain a gun permit. Citizens shouldn’t have access to assault, military grade weapons either. Citizens have no need for those types of firearms.

Gun control may not prevent all shootings, but something has to be done because society is becoming more accustomed and desensitized to these shootings, which isn’t a good thing.

More steps need to be taken to protect citizens from further gun violence and shootings. The government needs to pass stricter gun laws and regulations.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/31/we-need-stricter-gun-laws-to-stop-gun-violence/feed/0Journalist’s death shows importance of free presshttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/24/journalists-death-shows-importance-of-free-press/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/24/journalists-death-shows-importance-of-free-press/#respondThu, 25 Oct 2018 01:13:41 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24638A free press is crucial to democracy. The recent murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi highlights not only the dangers of being a journalist, but also the importance of a free press. Washington Post columnist, Khashoggi, dissappeared on Oct. 2 “after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage,” said […]

The Post says it received Khashoggi’s latest column from his translator and assistant the day after Khashoggi was reported missing. The Post published his column on Oct. 17, saying it had held off doing so because it had hoped he would return.

Turkish officials now suspect Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents when he was in the consulate, Reuters said.

Khashoggi was barred from writing by the Saudi royal family because he was critical of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to an Oct. 18 Business Insider article. Khashoggi often criticized the Saudi government and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the article said.

In Khashoggi’s last column, “Jamal Khashoggi: What the Arab world needs most is free expression,” he wrote about the threats to free media. Khashoggi wrote that “Arab governments have been given free rein to continue silencing the media at an increasing rate.” He added, “They have also arrested local reporters and pressured advertisers to harm the revenue of specific publications.”

A government that censors its press and arrests reporters to silence them isn’t right. Khashoggi has become part of a larger statistic on how many journalists are killed for their work.

In 2018, 60 journalists were killed, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), whose website says it is the world’s biggest non-governmental organization that specializes in defending media freedom. RSF statistics also show that 170 journalists are imprisoned around the world. These statistics cover journalists whom RSF established were killed or imprisoned for reasons related to their journalistic work.

These numbers are alarming. There has always been hostility toward the media. The press should have the freedom to fairly report the news without fearing retaliation, death or imprisonment.

We are lucky to have the First Amendment in the U.S. granting us freedom of the press, whereas other parts of the world don’t have the same freedom. A free press has been under attack around the world for sometime now and many reporters are unjustly killed for doing their job. It’s important that people around the world continue to fight for a free press.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/24/journalists-death-shows-importance-of-free-press/feed/0Donate to Hurricane Michael and Florence victimshttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/17/donate-to-hurricane-michael-and-florence-victims/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/17/donate-to-hurricane-michael-and-florence-victims/#respondThu, 18 Oct 2018 00:30:45 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24494Hurricane Michael recently struck the East Coast, battering Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. The latest natural disaster comes on the heels of Hurricane Florence, which battered the southeast last month. Both hurricanes left a a death toll in their wake. CNN reported on Oct. 16 that Hurricane Michael’s death toll had reached 29. Many […]

The latest natural disaster comes on the heels of Hurricane Florence, which battered the southeast last month. Both hurricanes left a a death toll in their wake. CNN reported on Oct. 16 that Hurricane Michael’s death toll had reached 29. Many people are still missing, too.

Photo obtained from google.com.

In the aftermath of these disasters, it’s crucial that those affected know we stand with them and support them. Here in New Jersey, we know what it’s like to weather a storm. We had to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy hit us in 2012 and we’re still doing so. We received support from all around the world and it’s time for us to pay it forward. Giving back and helping those in need is what matters.

The Setonian previously reported on Oct. 3 about how in the wake of Hurricane Florence, Seton Hall started a “Go Blue for Hurricane Relief” program to help hurricane victims. According to Seton Hall’s website, “Every donation will go directly to Catholic Charities to alleviate misery and suffering caused by this unforgiving hurricane season.” This initiative can still be found on Seton Hall’s website and it is not too late to donate.

These hurricane victims have lost everything; many are without electricity and some lost their homes.

There are numerous charities you can assist to help support relief efforts. Confirm each organization’s credibility before donating, since there are scams out there.

An Oct. 12 Time article says that people can use the website Charity Navigator, which is a charity assessment organization that evaluates U.S. charitable organizations. The website lists names of reputable charities. According to Time, some of those charities include the American Red Cross, World Hope International and International Relief Teams.

Please donate what you can to charities to help support this relief effort. Do what you can to help these hurricane victims.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/17/donate-to-hurricane-michael-and-florence-victims/feed/0E-cigarettes and vaping are still dangeroushttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/03/e-cigarettes-and-vaping-are-still-dangerous/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/03/e-cigarettes-and-vaping-are-still-dangerous/#respondThu, 04 Oct 2018 00:52:47 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24326E-cigarettes and vaping have become popular among teens and college students. Some think that using an e-cigarette is healthier than smoking a regular cigarette. Regardless, using e-cigarettes and vaping still isn’t healthy. Recently, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said that youth vaping is an “epidemic,” according to a September USA Today article. Since […]

]]>E-cigarettes and vaping have become popular among teens and college students.

Some think that using an e-cigarette is healthier than smoking a regular cigarette. Regardless, using e-cigarettes and vaping still isn’t healthy.

Photo obtained from google.com.

Recently, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said that youth vaping is an “epidemic,” according to a September USA Today article. Since then, many have questioned the effect that e-cigarettes have on people.

E-cigarettes are called a variety of names. Some call them “e-cigs,” “vape pens,” or “vapes,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Most e-cigarettes have nicotine in them, according to a July 2018 article on Pennsylvania State University’s website. The article also stated that some e-cigarettes that say they are nicotine-free actually still contain the substance.

The CDC’s website says, “Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.” As college students in this age range, it’s especially important to remember the effects that using e-cigarettes can have on our health.

The Penn State study also said that the vapor that is exhaled by e-cigarette users has carcinogens in it, which is a risk to those nearby. Merriam-Webster defines carcinogen as “a substance or agent causing cancer.”

E-cigarettes also have adverse side effects, such as lung disease, an increased heart rate and blood pressure, the Penn State study said. Other side effects they reported are chronic bronchitis, in addition to insulin resistance leading to Type 2 diabetes.

We aren’t telling you that you shouldn’t use e-cigs or vape, but we do encourage you to do your own research about the health risks of vaping. Stay informed and know the risks before using e-cigarettes.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.

]]>http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/10/03/e-cigarettes-and-vaping-are-still-dangerous/feed/0Deadline to register to vote is approachinghttp://www.thesetonian.com/2018/09/26/deadline-to-register-to-vote-is-approaching/
http://www.thesetonian.com/2018/09/26/deadline-to-register-to-vote-is-approaching/#respondThu, 27 Sep 2018 01:18:07 +0000http://www.thesetonian.com/?p=24185Calling all Seton Hall students! Mark your calendars. The New Jersey deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 election is Oct. 16, 2018. Following National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25, The Setonian wants to remind students to vote. A lot of people in society say that our generation doesn’t care about politics […]

Mark your calendars. The New Jersey deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 election is Oct. 16, 2018.

Following National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25, The Setonian wants to remind students to vote.

A lot of people in society say that our generation doesn’t care about politics or voting. They mistakenly think we don’t have a clue about what’s going on in the world.

Photo obtained from google.com.

Many of us do care about voting and elections. However, for some reason or another — not being registered in time to vote or aware of how to register, being too busy, etc. — our generation doesn’t seem to have as big a voter turnout compared to the older generation. Statistics show that younger adults are less likely to participate in midterm elections, such as the one coming up, according to a Pew Research Center article from June 2018.

Their research said that Generation X, millennials and post-millennials form a large majority of voting-eligible U.S. adults. However, if past midterm election turnout patterns remain true, then these generations are unlikely to cast the majority of votes this upcoming election.

Floating around is a misconception that one vote doesn’t mean much and that it won’t change anything. Every vote counts, though, and is a chance to have your voice heard.

No matter what your political affiliation is, just remember to go out and vote. Not voting is throwing away your vote.

As “The Voice of the Seton Hall Community,” we encourage you to go out and vote this November to make your voice heard. Show everyone that their perceptions about our generation are wrong and that we care deeply about the political landscape and real-world issues that are affecting us and our communities.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.